Ladder attachment



April 16, 1946. M, CASEY 2,398,617-

' l LADDER ATTACIHMENT Filed Aug. 17, 1944 (Z5 Z6 /5 |NvENToRD 33 28 //A77'//WA.OJIX

' 4 BY 1 M ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 16, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LADDER ATTACHMENT Matthew A. Casey, Montclair, N. J. Q

Application August 17, 1944, Serial No. 549,932

1 Claim.

My present invention relates to ladder attachments and to an improved combination of ladder and attachment. More specifically, it relates to a pair of oppositely disposed brackets each pivoted to the ladder in such a manner that when extended frontwardly of the ladder the brackets constitute a support for resting various objects, especially work to be painted, whereas in retracted position the brackets rest'adjacent the side frame members of the ladder between adjacent steps.

Other advantages will be obvious from the following description, and the features of novelty will be pointed out in the appended claim.

In the drawing:

Fig. l is a view in side elevation with parts broken away showing my improved attachment in use;

Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a view on an enlarged scale taken on section 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a View also on an enlarged scale taken on section 4-4 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of a bracket showing objects supported thereby.

In Figs. 1 and 2 the ladder I is of conventional type having side frame members ll, l2, steps l3, l4, l5, l6, etc., and top l8, rear frame members (only one of which I!) is seen) and spacing brackets (only one of which 20 is seen). Disposed preferably so as to project from the third step of the ladder from the ground is a pair of brackets 23, 24 which may be identical except in so far as one may be the left hand counterpart of the other. Preferably each bracket is provided at its inner end with a pivot 24' extending therethrough and through a side frame l2, and being preferably spaced from the side frame I2 by a washer Or other spacer member 25. In order to prevent undue wear upon the step [5, each step may be provided with a U-shaped support 26, Figs. 3 and 4, attached to the ladder as by bolt 2'! passing through the side frame member l2. Support 26 further serves to support the brackets against side bending. Should for any reason it be desired to put the brackets 23, 24 outside the frame pieces ll, l2, this may be done whereupon u-supports 26 will likewise be placed outside said frame pieces where they will limit the outward movement of the brackets 23, 24. Desirably each bracket 23, 24 is of a length so as to be accommodated between successive steps, as for example, [5, l; and in retracted position they may be held against accidental movement by respectively. In order to facilitate pulling the brackets 23, 24 down from their retracted position, each may be provided with an ear or lug 28 by which the bracket may be gripped.

Preferably each bracket 23, 24 has teeth or serrations 30 which in extended position serve to keep the work, as for example screen 3|, from slipping; and brackets ZS, 24 may also be provided with a slot 32 at each end thereof by which to support a pail of paint, for example, the bail of the latter being shown as 33. In such position the pail is secure against accidental removal.

It will be seen that the brackets of my invention are of great usefulness and add substantially to the value of a step ladder when working in or around the house, and in effect convert it into an easel. In the use illustrated a screen, after having been removed from the house, is placed on these brackets and in such position may be readily painted or cleaned. Where the screen is to be painted the minimum contact is had between any painted surface and the supporting brackets and ladder. It will be further noted that the backward tilt of the frame pieces ll, l2 of the ladder gives about the right angle for supporting the work objects, as for example the screen 3|.

For carpenters the extended brackets may be used to hold various tools of his trade including a miter box. It will also be obvious that two ladders similarly equipped and placed opposite one another with the brackets extended will serve as a support for various work, the same as a pair of horses. Various other uses too numerous 3 to mention will occur to those skilled in the art.

Various changes will occur to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the appended claim.

I claim:

In combination with a step ladder, a pair of oppositely disposed brackets each pivoted to said tion said brackets extend out from said step and means of clips 28 in side frame members H, I2

are adapted to have .work supported thereby, said brackets in their extended position having supports on said steps constituting bearing surfaces and holding said brackets against lateral displacement as well as opposing the downward turning moment of the brackets when loaded.

MATTHEW A. CASEY. 

